Did early ICE presidents recognise concepts of sustainability?

Abstract

With today's strong emphasis on sustainability, the question is raised whether this is a new development. Reflective publications of the first three presidents of the Institution of Civil Engineers are examined to determine the extent to which they addressed a recently expounded eight-point framework for sustainable development in the context of civil engineering work. Evidence is found that these early presidents did indeed consider many of the issues contained in the framework. Taking into account the political and social environment of the day, it is apparent that these early engineers, especially Thomas Telford and Sir John Rennie, were well aware of the implications of their work beyond the expected cost/time/quality approach.